Dolly Parton shocked the world when she politely declined the offer to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Although she was very grateful for the offer, and has some rock and roll cred considering she’s covered songs by Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and Neil Young, she admitted that she’s a country music artist, and wouldn’t feel right if she accepted the offer.
“Even though I am extremely flattered and grateful to be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I don’t feel that I have earned that right. I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out.
However, the ballots have already been sent out, so she might not have a choice…
“Dolly’s recommendation, along with the other 16 nominees for the class of 2022 was sent out earlier this month to our 1,200 general ballot voters, the majority of whom are artists themselves, for consideration for induction at our ceremony.”
Despite the name, the Rock & Roll Halle of Fame inducts artists from all genres, and has sport of become the de facto “music hall of fame.” Whether that makes any sense (to me it doesn’t) we can debate about later, but it does seem a little silly to have pop stars, country artists and rappers something titled the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Not to mention there are many rock acts that still haven’t received induction like Ted Nugent, Oasis, Soundgarden, The Smiths, Iron Maiden and more.
With that being said, there are still a number of country artists that have made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Let’s take a look at the country artists who have etched their name in Rock and Roll fame, according to Billboard.
Chet Atkins (2002)
Guitar player, songwriter producer, Chet is credited with being a significant player in developing the “Nashville Sound.” He was inducted in the Musical Excellence category which “shall be given to artists, musicians, songwriters and producers whose originality and influence creating music have had a dramatic impact on music.”
Johnny Cash (1992)
The man who needs no explanation…
Floyd Cramer (2003)
A Nashville session piano player, like Chet Atkins, Floyd was inducted into the Rock Hall under the Musical Excellence category.
Bill Monroe (1997)
The skilled singer, songwriter and mandolin player is known as The Father of Bluegrass Music.
Jimmie Rodgers (1986)
Known as the Father of Country Music, he was inducted in the Early Influences category which “shall be given to a performing artist or group whose music and performance style have directly influenced and helped inspire and evolve rock & roll and music that has impacted youth culture.”
Other Early Influences include acts like Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, the Everly Brothers, James Brown and Bob Wills.
Hank Williams (1987)
Also needs no explanation…
Bob Willis and His Texas Playboys (1999)
As mentioned previously, Bob Wills was inducted in the Early Influences category for his pioneering work in country music. Known as the King of Western Swing, he influenced the likes of Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and more.
Of course there are a few more artists that are both Country Music Hall of Famers and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, however they’re not known primarily for being country artists. Artists like Elvis Presley, the Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Brenda Lee, Wanda Jackson, Sam Phillips or Ray Charles.
But declining or not, it looks like Dolly will be next.
